Werner AA1510 Instructions D'installation page 16

Section 1.4
Cutting a Hole in the Ceiling
Before Proceeding: You must have either exposed joists or a correctly sized hole at the desired ceiling location.
Goal: To cut out any joists that are in the way of your chosen location. Before cutting the joists, you must attach
them to other joists in the overhead attic to keep the ceiling from sagging or completely collapsing.
STEP 1. If the room has a ceiling and you have cut
the required hole, go to Step 2.
If the room has no ceiling, you will need to
mark the joists according to (A) or (B) below.
(A) If the chosen location is parallel to the
joists, mark the rough opening length on
top of the joists (See Figure 7).
Do not cut the joist at this mark.
(B) If the chosen location is perpendicular to
the joists, mark the rough opening width on
top of the joists (See Figure 8).
Do not cut the joist at this mark.
STEP 2. Cut 2 joist-sized boards long enough to
span 2 joists on each side of your chosen
location (See Figure 9). These boards will
support the joists that will be cut and help
keep the ceiling from sagging or completely
collapsing while you are working in the
overhead space.
STEP 3. Place these boards approximately 24"
from the edge of your chosen location and
nail (See Figure 9).
Note: The 24" distance is needed to
give you room to hammer nails into the
frame that you will build in the next section.
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Dotted Line Indicates Your Chosen
Location (Location Parallel to Joist).
Figure 7
Dotted Line Indicates Your Chosen
Location (Location Perpendicular to Joist).
Figure 8
Figure 9
Joist Support
Boards
Nail or Screw
Boards to Each Joist